Become a Water Watchdog Child Drowning Advocate

Did you know that NINETY percent of drownings occur with an adult nearby? (Last year eight hundred and thirty children died from drowning.) Now you can become a Water Watchdog and help spread awareness of drownings and maybe even prevent one too.

Become a Water Watchdog and Spread Awareness About Child Drowning

The Watch Watchdog’s program was started by mother of Abbey, and founder of Abbey’s Hope. Abbey lost her life due to a tragic accidental drowning in 2006. Abbey’s parents started Abbey’s Hope to help prevent other drownings.

Becoming a Water Watchdog means pledging to give your undivided attention to children in the pool. When you wear the Water Watchdog tag, you’re showing that you’re going to be vigilant to look out for all the kids in the pool. Wear the tag for fifteen minutes or more, and give your undivided attention to the pool. Then pass the tag on to another adult, teach them the statistics about child drowning and ask them to watch the pool too. It’s that easy!

When you become a Water Watchdog you agree

not to drink alcohol while at the pool or beach

not to talk on the phone, and have your attention solely on the children swimming

not to read, or socialize because your attention should be on the water

make sure you have a phone to call 911 in the event of an emergency

to remain watching the water until relieved by another Water Watchdog

For the kids and classrooms

Carolanne Caron has created a wonderful book called Water Safety with Swimmy. Inside is ten water safety rules that everyone should know and follow. It’s a great way to spread awareness and teach children how to be safe when enjoying the water. There’s even a coloring book to help drive the lesson home, in a fun and engaging way.

Autism, Wandering, and Drowning

Drowning is something that terrifies me. As a mother to an autistic child, I know that drowning is the number one leading cause of death among autistics. Most are drawn to water because it’s amazing, calming, beautiful and more. I myself am on the spectrum and have always been enthralled with water. It centers me and calms me. I use my Autism Facebook page to help spread awareness of drowning and our children, so being a Water Watchdog is super important to me. You can go here to purchase.

About Courtney Barnum

I am a stay at home mom. Both myself and my son are on the autism spectrum. I also struggle with fibromyalgia and many other chronic health issues. My son is also bipolar with a ton of other vegetable soup diagnoses.

I home/cyber school and in my spare time I write and make crafts. I’m a “retired” tattoo artist so this is now how I get my creativity out.

When I’m not doing those things, I’m attempting to run a local autism support group and advocate for parents living a spectrum life.